Congregation can't afford to repair Hamilton church but proposed heritage designation puts sale at risk

A downtown Hamilton pastor says his congregation was "blindsided" by the city's recent push to make their deteriorating church a heritage site — months before they finalize its sale to a condo developer.

The proposed designation — that would make it illegal to tear down the century-old Philpott Memorial Church — puts into jeopardy the property's sale, years in the making, said lead pastor Russell Bartlett. 

Facing a repair bill of up to $4 million, the congregation decided it couldn't afford to maintain the building and in 2021 found a developer ready to tear it down to build 700 units across two towers. 

With a closing date in September, the congregation has already dedicated the proceeds to buying and renovating a new, better-suited downtown location — the former Lincoln Alexander Centre on King Street — where they can continue their community outreach work, Bartlett said.

"We get to almost when our sale is supposed to close and all of a sudden — it felt like to us — this was kind of thrown into the mix last minute," he said.

"To designate our building at this stage is deeply unfair." 

He spoke as a delegate at a city planning committee earlier this month and his position was echoed by other church members, developer representatives and a planner the congregation hired. 

The church's fate stirred up debate among councillors about what downtown buildings should be protected in the midst of a housing crisis and development boom — and at what cost.

"A great number of Hamiltonians lament a number of the buildings we've sought to get rid of," said Coun. Cameron Kroetsch, who represents the ward, at the planning committee.

"There are a few special buildings around. This ends up being one of them. I think we should do what we can to protect it." 

In February 2023, the heritage committee was alerted to the pending sale of the property from a member of the public, says the staff report. That prompted the city to conduct a review and then, earlier this year, recommend the site be designated a heritage property. 

Coun. Ted McMeekin questioned the timing.

"I find it ironic that in 123 years, nothing happened," said McMeekin. "And then when [the congregation] finally decided what they wanted to do, suddenly we're there wanting to designate it heritage."  

In a 8-3 vote, the planning committee gave its approval of the heritage designation, sending it to council for further consideration.